The architectural gem of the Esplanade Ridge National Historic District!

Carriage House & Gazebo

Bedrooms

Grounds

Floor Plans

Main House Interiors

Benachi House & Gardens

The Benachi House and its Gardens – eight rooms, balconies, central hallways and galleries - four powder rooms – dressing rooms for both bride and groom and a kitchen for your caterer - situated among our patios and gazebos on one of the largest and most historic parcels in New Orleans.

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The Benachi House and its Gardens provide an authentic, classic New Orleans setting for any event: wedding ceremony, reception and party - private or corporate - from elegant to trendy, crawfish boil to seated dinner.

It's your choice: the property is suitable for up to one hundred seventy-five guests - in the house or in the gardens or both. Out of the weather, or entirely outdoors.

Included in all rentals are the first and second floors of the Benachi House and all of its patios, gardens and outdoor spaces.

We require:

Professional catering by the caterer of your choice (choose from our approved list, or subject to our approval, bring your own licensed and insured caterer);

That the bar close and the music stop no later than 10:00 PM;

That event music be played at no more than a moderate level of amplification (see below) as required by law; and

A signed contract and one half of the event fee to secure the date. The remaining balance plus the damage deposit will be due 60 days prior to the event.

We do not provide:

Tents (though they are readily available for rent from our recommended providers);

Flowers and decorations;

Table linens, utensils, dishes and glassware (though they are readily available through your caterer);

Features

We provide a beautifully restored and furnished Greek Revival mansion and gardens, which include fountains, a gazebo, a Beaux Arts pavilion and a large patios to the rear, where our garden features varieties of heritage roses. The house is fully restored and furnished with 19th Century American antiques. The gardens, which embellish our private setting, are landscaped with additional lighting, paving and walkways.

On-street parking and access at our Esplanade Ridge location is convenient and adequate for up to 175 guests.

Music and Crowd Noise Restrictions

The Benachi House is a classic New Orleans landmark situated in a distinguished residential neighborhood. Out of respect for our neighbors we limit the size of events to 200 guests, set a 10:00 PM closing time and ask that event hosts, their bands and DJs, comply with the restrictions on the sound level for music and crowd noise imposed by the City of New Orleans. That level is restricted by local ordinance to 60 decibels when measured at our neighbors’ front porch on N. Tonti St., a distance of more than 75 ft. from our patio. We measure levels during each event and request that adjustments be made when appropriate. Happily, hundreds of events have occurred here with no sound level issues. We ask that the second lining end by 8:00 P.M. , that bands and DJs locate near the dance floor and that bands be limited to no more than five members.

Choices

At Benachi House & Gardens you may bring your professional caterer, and decorate the house and grounds to your taste. We are happy to discuss this with you in greater detail.

A New Orleans Landmark

The Benachi House is a New Orleans Landmark, a centerpiece of the Esplanade Ridge Historic District. It has been lovingly restored by Proprietor James G. Derbes, who has been its owner since 1982. The house retains its original details: fourteen foot ceilings fitted with banded cornices and exuberant medallions; carved, black marble and granite mantles of European origin; Rococo Revival chandeliers by Cornelius & Baker; Greek key doorways; and heart of pine floors. The furnishings complete the ensemble: Gothic and Classical Revival, American Empire, Neo-Grec and Victorian. The location is convenient - on Bayou Road, just off Esplanade Ave. - mid-way between the French Quarter and City Park.

Photographs and Videos

The house and grounds offer marvellous visual possibilities. From candid scenes to portraits, the setting provides a rich, detailed backdrop from which to capture memories of the special occasions shared here.

Alternatives (Your Choice):

In the Benachi House, ceremony in the parlors, food in the dining room, band, dancing and bar upstairs or down.

In our Gardens, ceremony in the front yard (in the Beaux Arts pavilion or on the front gallery) - reception with food service, band and dancing on the patio at the rear. Tents may be added.

Or, combined, in the Benachi House and in our gardens.

Availability & Appointments

Our setting will delight you! For availability, to make an appointment to see the house and for further information TEXT or contact James G. Derbes (504) 525-7040; or (800) 308-7040, or fill out our contact form.